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Discussion on “Syn-metamorphic sulfidation of the Gamsberg zinc deposit, South Africa” by Stefan Höhn, Hartwig E. Frimmel, and Westley Price

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Abstract

Höhn et al. (2021) proposed that the giant Gamsberg Zn deposit, South Africa, initially formed as a sedimentary exhalative (SEDEX) deposit during the Mesoproterozoic and was subsequently oxidized near surface. The oxidized ore was then supposedly sulfidized by sulfur-rich metamorphic fluids during and after upper amphibolite facies metamorphism. We view this model as untenable for various reasons and suggest that the Gamsberg deposit and others in the Aggeneys-Gamsberg district (Swartberg, Broken Hill-Deeps, Big Syncline) are metamorphosed clastic SEDEX deposits rather than having formed by synmetamorphic sulfidation processes.

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Fig. 1

Adapted from Rozendaal (1975, 1982), Praekelt and Schoch (1997), Rozendaal et al. (2017), and Cawood and Rozendaal (2020). C Tectonostratigraphic section for Swartberg. Note the unmineralized schist overlying the Upper Orebody, which shows that the Koeris unconformity, if it was ever present at Swartberg, did not cut down to the level of the ore. Adapted from Cawood and Rozendaal (2020). D Section through the overturned upper sheath fold limb at Gamsberg North. Note how the unconformity variably places Koeris Formation conglomerate in contact with mineralized Gams Member, Kouboom Member, and even White Quartzite. Courtesy of Black Mountain Mining

Fig. 2

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Earth Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X01, Matieland, 7600, South Africa

    Tarryn K. Cawood & Abraham Rozendaal

  2. Present address: Geological Survey of Canada, 601 Booth Street, ON, K1A 0E8, Ottawa, Canada

    Tarryn K. Cawood

  3. Department of Geological and Atmospheric Sciences, Iowa State University, 253 Science I, Ames, IA, 50011-3212, USA

    Paul G. Spry

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  1. Tarryn K. Cawood
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  2. Abraham Rozendaal
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  3. Paul G. Spry
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Correspondence to Paul G. Spry.

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Cawood, T.K., Rozendaal, A. & Spry, P.G. Discussion on “Syn-metamorphic sulfidation of the Gamsberg zinc deposit, South Africa” by Stefan Höhn, Hartwig E. Frimmel, and Westley Price. Miner Petrol 117, 775–785 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00710-023-00821-6

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